MCAST-BTEC Higher National Diploma in
Mechanical Engineering

Medical Test, Physical Aptitude Test and Interview

The course aims at giving candidates the necessary
training as an Officer Cadet to qualify for a Certificate of
Competence as an Officer in Charge of an Engineering
Watch on a foreign-trading merchant vessel.

The training consists of a number of marine engineering
and other maritime related subjects such as ship engineering knowledge and watch-keeping, industrial chemistry, maritime legistalion as well as a high level of physical fitness training and leadership training in which all candidates are expected to participate and attain a high degree of competence.

Officer Cadets are expected to dedicate a lot of time to their studies and are also expected to wear a merchant marine uniform whilst undergoing training both ashore, in shipyards and on board ships. Officer Cadets attending the course may
also be assisted in finding a sponsor for the practical
training period at sea as well as a work placement in
a shipyard during the second phase of training on the
course.

The Maritime Institute boasts a good reputation
for discipline and all Officer Cadets are expected to
abide by a Code of Conduct whilst attending the Officer
in Charge of an Engineering Watch Course.

All lecturers and Instructors are appropriately qualified in accordance with the provisions of the STCW Convention. They have a good appreciation and understanding of the OIC Engineering Watch training programme and objectives.

The students are assessed for theory and practice including oral exam at the end of first and second semester. These assessments are part of the requirements of the STCW quality standards. Where conducting of assessments involve the use of mechanical, electrical or hydraulic equipment, the students are examined in the practical experience to the satisfaction of the examiner.

. Operate pumping systems and associated control systems
2. Maintain a safe engineering watch and follow safety and emergency procedures
3. Use appropriate tools and measuring equipment to carry out fabrication, repair and maintenance tasks on different ship plant, equipment and structures
4. Respond to various emergencies that can be encountered while at sea.

• Basic Seamanship (Engineers),
• Maritime English (Engineers)
• Communications (GMDSS Basic)
• Transverse Stability
• Industrial Chemistry
• Engineering Knowledge
• Preparation for exams (Motor and General)

Ancillary course units (before sea-time and work on a ship)
• Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting
• Elementary First Aid
• Personal Safety and Social Responsibility
• Personal Survival Techniques

Ancillary Course Units (need to complete the course to get license as OIC engineering watch)
• Medical First Aid
• Proficiency in Survival Craft and Rescue Boat
• Advanced Fire Fighting

The OIC Engineering Watch Course is designed for students who wish to become Engineer Officers of seagoing ships. After satisfactory completion of the course the students can progress to continue practical training period on board sea going ships. The practical sea training is part of the course leading to the issue of certificate of competency. The certificate of competency is awarded by the Registrar – General of Shipping and Seaman, Transport Malta.